Between Fire And Ice -ThorxReaderxLoki -Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Inside the study of the king, all three royals took a seat at a round wooden table, adorned with elaborate carvings. Although the room lacked windows, it was not dim but illuminated by candles and several white balls of light hang from the ceiling. Thranduil found it unnecessary to offer some wine, which Thor was glad of because his diplomatic skills would only suffer from the strong liquid and there would be plenty of it in the evening.

The kings listened intently as Loki reported in every detail what had happened when the Orcs attacked and Thranduil stayed silent for a while after he had finished. "This is indeed very interesting." He finally said, his slender fingers brushing lightly his thin lips. "From what you described and my experience with this vile creatures, I suspect that their goal was to spy on the city's defense and maybe its capacity of soldiers and arms." "But why did they risk to be discovered and attacked my brother?" Thor asked and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "A test maybe, to calculate he resistance they need to expect." Thranduils' eyes shone in a bright ice blue, looking from one brother to the other, annoying Thor by doing so.

"So you think they plan for war? But I thought their dark master was slain in an ancient war?" Loki threw in. Over the years he had kept an eye on the reports from Middle Earth that the All-father received, and thus stayed well informed about what had happened in this world. "Sauron is dead, but there are certain rumors claiming that his darkness survived and recovers hidden amongst the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike back." Thranduil replied, his tone indicating his doubt regarding them. "Do you believe this rumors?" Thor asked and hoped that this gossip was just that. Thranduil leaned back casually in his dark wooden chair and exhaled slowly. "No. Sauron can not reclaim his former power and position without his ring, which was cut from his finger before he died and is lost ever since."

Loki had heard many conjectures about the “One Ring”, the power and danger attached to it and although the thought of stealing this special item had crossed his mind he never dared to do so. The burden would overweight the benefit by far.

"Do not worry my friends, Asgard will outlast as will my realm, especially now that we are strengthening the bond between them." Thranduil said and smiled. "Nevertheless, I will send a messenger to Lord Elrond in Rivendell, he and the white council must know about this incident. Maybe they can bring more light into this case."

"Thank you, your efforts are much appreciated, my friend." Thor said and rose, eager to leave and look for the mortal girl. This conversation had lasted long enough for his taste. "Please excuse me now, but I shall rest before the feast begins." he lied and made his way to he door.

Loki's POV:

Knowing his brother well enough, Loki did not fall for this sweet attempt to lie and get away - not to recover but rather to seek out their little pet. Nice try, brother.... But before the Trickster could interfere, he felt a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. "So tell me about this young lady you brought along?" Thranduil purred when the door was shut again, smirking devilishly. "There is not much to tell." Loki avoided his question, trying not to enflame the elf's interest in her. But Thranduil was persistent, his both hands now resting on Loki's shoulders he whispered from behind: "I highly doubt that. My guess is that this pretty little mortal is another one of your toys, is she not?" No word left Loki's throat, which only pushed Thranduil to go on. "Or is she more to you than a warmth in the night?" Loki gulped, had this question never occurred to him until now and an answer he did not have. His next words had to be chosen wisely as Thranduil was a master of deception and could unmask any men. But I am no man. I am the God of Mischief.

With a smooth stroke of his hand, he rid himself of Thranduils' touch and chuckled coldly: "She is a whore and as such means nothing to me." Loki glanced over his shoulder to he elf which smirked at him. "Still a heartbreaker. " Thranduil retorted, his sly grin even wider but Loki tuned and snickered: “I have a reputation to uphold and besides, you yourself have spoiled many women as I clearly remember!" He teased. "True... And as it seems I have taught you well in this regard. However, if you desire some alternation, let me know and I shall send a pretty elf maid to your chamber." The Elvenking put his hand once more on Loki's shoulder, his knowing eyes boring into the green orbs and then guided Loki towards the large wooden door.

My POV:

Although the larger part of the palace lay beneath the earth, hidden thoroughly from prying eyes, some distinct places were not inside the cave. For example the terraces of the royal suits ... and the beautiful water garden we were currently exploring. The handsome elf at my side introduced himself as Thranduil's son – and thus prince of the Woodland Realm- Legolas.

Actually, much to my surprise, he differed from his father a lot and I enjoyed his company. At least someone who was easy to talk to. He told me about the surrounding forest, called Mirkwood and some habits of the elves that lived in it. "We are fierce warriors in contrast to other of our kins." he explained. "Are there only elves in this world?" "No, many creatures dwell in Middle Earth but mainly men, elves, orcs and dwarves..." The pronunciation of the last word sounded conspicuously hateful, making me curious. "What is it about dwarves that you do not like them?" I asked and Legolas looked at me, puzzled as he did not expect me to be so perceptive. "Well, a long and far too complex story lies behind this repulsion but believe me dwarves are known to be greedy and distrustful, especially if they perceive an opportunity to enrich themselves with gold." And with that the topic was off the table and I did not want to press any further. Slowly he guided me past lovely roses and lilies back inside and we strode along the wooden bridges, providing a good view of the many layers of the palace.

We entered an arcade, ivy vines climbing up the wooden posts and Legolas halted in front of a door, when a figure with broad shoulders walked around the corner. "I shall leave you to rest and refresh yourself before the banquet, my lady. " Legolas said, his calm smile creating a slight red on my cheeks. Somehow I felt another gaze upon me and the next moment, a strong arm embraced me protectively around the torso and I was pressed against the cold metal of an armor. "Thank you for keeping her company, prince but I shall take over now." Thor glared at the elf and his eyes narrowed when Legolas bid us goodby. "Thank you for entrusting me with such a lovely maid. Until tonight then, my lady, your majesty." The elf left while the massive arm around me tightened and then pulled me inside the room behind us.

As soon as Thor had shut the door, he put his both arms on each side of me, trapping me between him and the wood. At this proximity, his smell flooded my nose and while I was intoxicated, soft full lips found their way upon mine. Locked in a passionate kiss, he stepped closer and pinned me against the door with his body. His nails dug into the wood as his arousal awoke – I could tell from the bulge forming between his legs. Suddenly he withdrew his head lightly, parting our lips and with a stern look on his features he whispered: "Do not forget, you are mine!"

Drowning in his blue orbs, deep, adamant and cold like the ocean, I blushed and shivered at the same time.